DoD News

News Article

Soldier Killed in Iraq; Operation Ivy Serpent Yields Results

By Kathleen T. RhemAmerican Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 14, 2003  A 3rd Infantry Division soldier was killed and six others wounded in Baghdad early July 14 when their convoy was attacked with rocket-propelled grenades, U.S. Central Command officials said.

In the north, Operation Ivy Serpent, launched July 12 to search for resistance fighters and organizers and weapons and ammunition, is yielding results. Roughly 300 detainees including several members of the Baath regime have been captured and several weapons caches seized, according to CENTCOM news releases.

Fourth Infantry Division and Task Force Ironhorse soldiers have conducted 27 raids as part of the operation. An early morning raid July 13 captured "three former regime loyalist leaders," noted released information.

In the past day, soldiers have confiscated 800 82 mm mortar rounds, 50 AK-47 rifles, and 26 rocket-propelled grenades, as well as several hand grenades.

Ivy Serpent soldiers will "sweep the task force's area and root out elements that have attacked coalition forces," a CENTCOM release said.

The same release noted no Iraqi civilians or coalition forces have been killed or wounded in the operation.